Less than a week left of Summer. It was a good one: not too hot or dry or wet. I became more aware of the weather when I was homeless. Whenever it gets cold or rains, I think of those people still on the street, and hope they find shelter. I know what it's like when you cannot.
Football. One thing that never changes, homeless or not, is the fanaticism of sports enthusiasts. I'm a baseball person myself, but most people here in Salt Lake are basketball and football fans. the World Series is fast approaching, and It seems to me that football season started early this year. Team sports are the most popular. Maybe it's an appeal to humans' prehistoric clansmanship, or our military nature. I'd like to think it's more due to our compassion and camaraderie.
Whatever the case, I know there were times on the street that I wouldn't have survived without the "team" of us that hung out together, and helped one another out. Sometimes sticking together, sharing with one another is the only thing that gives us hope. And without hope things can seem pretty bleak.
I hope you've all found your teams. And stay healthy in the upcoming Fall and Winter.
In the interest of self education, here's a link to books about homelessness available through amazon.com. Also check your local libraries for these titles.
Here are you article links for the week:
Top Story
The Big Issue celebrates its 18th birthday Exactly 18 years on from the launch of the Big Issue, this radical street paper is still offering a vital lifeline for homeless people by Ro-Wyn Jones (The Guardian)
RGR Editor's note: This is the kind of publication we need, in Salt Lake City, and why we do this blog.
Local & National
H1N1 vaccines expected in Utah mid-October- Health departments are waiting to learn how many doses they'll get. By Lisa Rosetta Salt Lake Tribune
Utah's homeless youth: 'Because I got jumped in my sleep, I got off the street' Severe beating left homeless man, 20, with 7-inch scar on the side of his head. By Julia Lyon Salt Lake Tribune [photo: Chris Detrick SLTribune: Mike Montoya climbs a fence to see if the boarded up Temple View Motel is still accessible to homeless people. Montoya was severely beaten while sleeping there in May. The attack spurred him give up his homeless lifestyle.
Life on the streets for Utah youth-As the number of homeless youths jumps 68 percent, one young woman says, 'I don't want this life anymore.' By Julia Lyon Salt Lake TribuneView a street kid photo gallery. Go HERE to help.
Festival to celebrate recovery from sub-stance abuse By Brooke Brown Deseret News "Recovery Day will be Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Gallivan Center, 239 S. Main. Registration for the 5K run begins at 7 a.m. For more information and run registration, visit www.U-SARA.org."
Military says mental wounds of war run deep By Kimberly Hefling Associated Press "Recalling a meeting last year with a group of homeless veterans from the recent wars ..."
The Bread Lady and 'The Porch' help keep the needy fed by Chuck Gates Deseret News [photo: Brian Nicholson Deseret News- Shauna Devenport, left, loads a hand truck with bread and pastries for her grandson, Clayton, right, to put on The Porch for people to share.
San Francisco Looks to LEED as the Path to Green Jobs and Buildings from Reuters "San Francisco’s Redevelopment Agency completed the first LEED Silver certified municipal project, the Plaza Apartments, for the formerly homeless with on-site supportive services."
2010 Games branding sparks free speech fears from Reuters "...International Olympic Committee could be used to curb legitimate political protests on issues such as the Games' impact on Vancouver's homeless people and the poor."
Freakonomics: The hidden side of everything-FREAK Shots: How Effective Is Your Cardboard Sign? By Freakonomics (New York Times) [photo: NYTimes]
International
Guardian Charity Awards 2009: the shortlist- Thirty-five charities have been shortlisted for the Guardian's awards, now in their 17th year (guardian.co.uk)
Until next week....
Be careful out there
Work together
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